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Shoshana Resha Brenenson, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 7 reviews
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35,22
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5.0/5
Avvo
5.0
7 Reviews
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06 Jun, 2017 by Morgan
I would highly recommend ShoshanA Brenenson she is very professional and makes you fully understand the process I am going to recommend her to all of my friends and family.
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28 Feb, 2017 by Jacob
Shoshana Brenenson was hired by our family to execute a will and trust for the estate of my brother which she did in a most professional manner.I would recommend her for anyone that"s looking for an excellent attorney for estate planning.
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10 May, 2016 by Diac
As the executor of my uncle's will, I would have been swamped except for Attorney Shoshana Brenenson. She managed the process, including probate, with diligence, skill and efficiency. She communicated with family members effectively and with grace and diplomacy. I am very happy that Shoshana handled my case.
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Anthony Gerard Capozzi, experienced Elder Law, Probate attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 2 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
35,00
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5.0/5
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5.0
2 Reviews
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12 May, 2024 by Leanna rolappe
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04 Apr, 2018 by Joseph mancuso
Mr. Romano was very professional and meticulous. Helpful from the beginning to end.
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Kenneth Ira Barocas, experienced Criminal Defense, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 12 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
34,43
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4.6/5
Avvo
4.0
1 Reviews
Google Maps
4.6
11 Reviews
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09 Nov, 2024 by Salome johannes
Stay away from this law firm. Their m.o. has not changed in years. Someone posted five years ago how Mr. Goldberg gave them the run around. He does the same to me and I am his client! He never returns my phone calls or my emails. I called the office recently and left a message for his partner and nothing. They don't value their clients. Go elsewhere. Had I known what I know now, I would have gone to a different law firm.
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29 Jul, 2018 by Adriane simmons
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19 Mar, 2018 by Jassy pha
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Hattie F. Ragone, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 2237 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
33,47
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4.7/5
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4.7
2237 Reviews
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23 Feb, 2025 by Diane baker
Great service very informative the staffs are knowledgeable and professional.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Lisa compe
He service was prompt, professional and achieved very positive results. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of representation.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Michael
I have known Peter since law school. He is an extremely competent trial attorney who is not afraid to take a case to verdict.
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Fern J. Finkel, experienced Elder Law, Probate attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 2233 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
33,47
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4.7/5
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4.7
2233 Reviews
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23 Feb, 2025 by Diane baker
Great service very informative the staffs are knowledgeable and professional.
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01 Feb, 2025 by Lisa compe
He service was prompt, professional and achieved very positive results. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of representation.
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25 Jan, 2025 by Michael
I have known Peter since law school. He is an extremely competent trial attorney who is not afraid to take a case to verdict.
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Brian (Baruch) Y. Greenwald, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 4 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
24,00
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4.0/5
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4.0
4 Reviews
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16 Dec, 2024 by Global electronic
“I had a very disappointing experience with Lawyer’s Brian (Baruch) Y. Greenwald. Gabriel Goldenberg Associate Attorney while they were representing both parties in drafting an agreement. I trusted them to act fairly and honestly, but unfortunately, that was not the case. It was evident that their actions were not neutral, which is especially concerning given their role as a mediator in this process. This lack of integrity and professionalism caused significant stress and complications. I would not recommend Brian (Baruch) Y. Greenwald to anyone who is looking for an impartial and trustworthy attorney.”
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12 Mar, 2023 by Raizelm
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28 Jun, 2021 by Sidney markowitz
Nice people great service
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Michael N. Connors, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 62 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
21,91
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3.8/5
Avvo
2.8
5 Reviews
Google Maps
3.9
57 Reviews
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04 Oct, 2024 by Joanne carrasquillo
I met Nicole Donnelly back in September 2021 when my mom and I had our first consultation with her. Not only was Nicole bilingual which was a huge blessing, but she was so thoughtful and patient as mom and I had a million questions to ask. She has remained my attorney after the loss of my mom and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
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16 Sep, 2024 by Ricardo de albuquerque
Our attorney, Gladys, is very competent, efficient, and gives practical advice. Highly recommend
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08 Aug, 2024 by Shaka ben david
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Patrick W. Johnson, experienced Civil Rights, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 3 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
19,04
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3.6/5
Avvo
3.6
3 Reviews
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10 May, 2017 by Allen
My family and I have worked with Patrick for many years, and find him to be the most honest and forthright attorney I have ever met. Patrick always provides me with an honest assessment of whatever issue I bring to him, even if his assessment is that I don't need to hire an attorney. Patrick's practice is one of the very few businesses that has survived all these years on Third Avenue because it is a family business and a part of the Bay Ridge community. They really treat everyone like a neighbor and truly care about our neighborhood. Patrick is and always will be my family's first stop in a crisis. Even if he doesn't have an answer, he always knows where to find one.
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26 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
I retained this attorney to take over an existing litigation case. From the beginning I was displeased with this attorney's behavior. He is extremely rude, thinks he knows everything and was constantly belittling me. The first time I asked to terminate services and receive my retainer back, he outright refused, insisting that I give him 2 more weeks so he can prove to me that he "is a good lawyer." For those 2 weeks he was avoiding my phone calls until one day I had enough and went to his office, requesting my retainer back in person. He was still giving me a hard time over returning the retainer and kept changing the amount withheld. His clerk first told me $750 would be held back, then the attorney raised it to $2700.00. I disputed this amount and sent him a formal letter of termination and told him that I would possibly seek litigation and other remedies to acquire my rightful refund. It was after receiving my letter that he sent me a letter offering only $6261.00. From $750 that his clerk told me to $3739.00 is a huge difference. To date I have yet to receive anything in regards to a refund and the matter has been handed over to the Brooklyn Bar Association and 2nd District Grievance Committee. I do not recommend this attorney to anyone.
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22 Sep, 2013 by Anthony
More than a lawyer, a sincere friend that understands my situation and fights hard to see that justice is served.
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Salvatore Emilio Strazzullo, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 5 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
18,17
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3.4/5
Avvo
3.4
5 Reviews
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29 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
They are Incompetent/Unskilled at their Profession; however, quite competent Professionally at being thieves and creating fraudulent reviews. RUN!!
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07 Jul, 2022 by Dominick
I’m normally not the type to make a bad review but I want to warn anyone that might be thinking about using Strazzullo Law Firm. Sorry in advance for the lengthy story but I don’t want to leave any details out. I hired Sal Strazzulo (a high school friend of mine) for a nonsense domestic dispute where my ex made false accusations against me. The police have no choice but to act on any accusation made, so they made a few visits to my house while I was at work, saying they just wanted to talk to me. Meanwhile there were 4 police cars pulling up at my house all because I gave my 14 year old daughter a glass of champagne on New Years Eve. My girlfriend was home and was very scared. The only lawyer that came to mind was my high school friend Sal. He called the precinct and said they were going to arrest me but because of him this was no longer going to happen. Instead I would have to do a voluntary surrender of my guns, (I’m an avid hunter) Which is standard procedure in a domestic case for obvious reasons. At this point I thought everything was over and I would repay my old friend by taking him out to dinner or whatever payment he requested after his fifteen minute phone call. It would be worth it since I didn’t spend the night in jail. This is when things started to get weird, he passed me off to a Lawyer that must have passed the BAR ten minutes ago, his name was Jason Krimsky. He was demanding I give a $7,500 retainer because Sal there was still an active investigation against me. I was surprised to hear this and when I asked the details he had none, Sal was now unavailable to answer any of my questions. My girlfriend was panicked and insisted I pay the retainer. Agains my gut instinct I did exactly that. Every time I asked Jason what was going on with my case he just insisted that there was an open case against me and that he was doing everything he can to protect me. A little while later the ACS agent told me that the investigation was closed because there was no real crime and it was in a different state so it was out of NYPD jurisdiction. When I asked Jason about this he immediately switched gears and said well what about your guns, don’t you want them back? I can help with that. The police officer at the licensing division told me that I would get my guns back soon, they just wanted to make sure there were no more issues between myself and my ex. I told Jason this and he said we can get them back faster. When I asked how he gave me salesman type answers like the squeaky wheel gets the oil and we will put our best foot forward. Again against my gut instinct I agreed to use the rest of my retainer money for this. He said we can issue an article 78 which would mean going to Supreme Court and of coarse cost more money. The officer out of professional courtesy (since I’m a fireman) said Get rid of this lawyer he is making things worse he’s doing everything wrong and because of him you might never get your guns back. I mentioned the article 78 and she laughed. She said this is a nonsense allegation trust me you are getting your guns back. I knew I could trust her so I called Jason and said I want to pursue this matter on my own and no longer require his services. He said I was being lied to and not to trust the police but I insisted I was done. Last we spoke I had $3,500 remaining from my retainer. After days of texts asking for the balance of my retainer. Suddenly Sal wants to meet with me to discuss why this was a mistake. I insisted they return my money. I felt like I was dealing with gangsters and not lawyers. They ended up sending me an invoice with my remaining money and its was dwindled down to $1,500 Which is what I expected from this shady law firm. On the invoice was the article 78 which we never did, so I questioned it and said they would adjust it and Sal said I would be very happy with my refund. Weeks and months went by constantly texting and calling Sal for my money back and still nothing. This guy is a crook.
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22 May, 2021 by Lindsey
Positive experience with the company. Jason was very helpful when I needed assistance regarding a rental property in New York. Would definitely recommend them.
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Melanie Madelaine Marmer, experienced Criminal Defense, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 2 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
16,29
star star star star star
3.0/5
Avvo
3.0
2 Reviews
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27 Nov, 2020 by Andres
The firm was very professional. They were very helpful with my sensitive family court matter. Very available for questions and very knowledgeable.
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30 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
Was a client of Melanie Marmer. Was not pleased overall with her services because she tended to take sides with the prosecution and complainant on my court cases. She tended to go by the book. Was never flexible enough to try get a plea bargain deal for me.
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Carol M. Adams, experienced Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 3 reviews
Below Average
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
13,13
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2.3/5
Avvo
2.3
3 Reviews
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14 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
Carol Adams handled my mother's estate when she worked for a firm that specializes in elder law. She was always very efficient and completed tasks like the estate tax return quickly, which saved me legal fees. When she left that firm my case was assigned to someone else and it's been a disaster. I really miss Carol. She's also a very sweet person.
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04 Sep, 2008 by Anonymous
Hostile and unhelpful attitude, only cared about billing for services.
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12 Aug, 2008 by Anonymous
Carol Adams used delays for 3 years soley to increase her legal fees.She Rarely responded to calls and emails. When she did respond, she would say "everytime you call I get to increase my fees!", then she would end the call without answering any of our questions. I served her with a citation to produce a formal accounting. In August 2007 she appeared in Queens Surrogate Court without the accounting and asked for another delay citing the need to hire an accountant. The estate remains open since 9/05 to present. I had to take Carol Adams to court to remove her authority over my minor children's inheritance. Carol Adams told me she legally could not turn over their money until they reached 21 years of age. I prevailed in court and am now guardian and joint owner of their money with the Surrogate Court. Carol Adams's authority over my children's money was 'discontinued'. I would never want another client to go through what we have been going thru for 3 years. Carol Adams' last emai told me to "get a life" when I requested the specific language in the WIll which stated the beneficiaries forfeited any interest on the estate assets, which she claimed we was not.due to us. The NY Surrogates Court agreed with the beneficiaries, that we will be entitled to all estate interest.
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Joseph Klein, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
8,00
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0.0/5
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Anthony J. Lamberti, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 1 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
7,17
star star star star star
1.0/5
Avvo
1.0
1 Reviews
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03 Aug, 2023 by Anonymous
Took advantage of my situation and misrepresented what happened. Needed someone else to correct what he did.
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Yevgeny Levin, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Bethani Lavonne Williams, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Margherita Racanelli, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Janet Denise Foshee, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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William Hair Jr, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Nicholas P. Scunziano, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Ada Wai Jar Chan, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Julie Maya Stoil Fernandez, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Jessica Wilson, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
4,00
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0.0/5
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Donald Fernando Zuniga, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Thomas Kenney Small, experienced Civil Rights, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Tovia Jakubowitz, experienced Elder Law, Intellectual Property attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Jeffrey R. Notarbartolo, experienced Business, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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0.0/5
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Elizabeth Sayar, experienced Elder Law, Estate Planning attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Lawyer credibility rating system is an internal lawyer evaluation system developed by the company based on a comprehensive analysis of more than 10 indicators. The rating can range from 0 to 100.
0,00
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Roni Sue Pall, experienced Criminal Defense, Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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Nicholas Jerry Edelson, experienced Elder Law, Foreclosure attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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0,00
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Nasoan C. Sheftel-Gomes, experienced Elder Law attorney in Brooklyn, NY with 0 reviews
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0,00
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FAQs
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What an Elder Law Lawyer Can Do for You

An elder law lawyer specializes in legal issues that affect older adults, their families, and caregivers. These lawyers handle a broad range of topics, including estate planning, Medicaid and Medicare, long-term care planning, guardianship, elder abuse, and retirement planning. The goal of an elder law lawyer is to protect the rights, finances, and well-being of elderly individuals and to help them plan for future healthcare and financial security.

If you or a loved one is aging and facing challenges related to healthcare, finances, or legal matters, an elder law lawyer can provide essential guidance to protect your rights and interests as you age.

When Should I Hire an Elder Law Lawyer?

Hiring an elder law lawyer can be beneficial in many situations where older adults need help with legal, financial, or healthcare-related decisions. Common reasons to hire an elder law lawyer include:

  • Estate planning: If you want to create or update a will, set up trusts, or ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, an elder law lawyer can help with comprehensive estate planning.
  • Medicaid and Medicare planning: If you need help qualifying for Medicaid to cover long-term care or need advice on navigating Medicare benefits, a lawyer can guide you through the application process and protect your assets.
  • Long-term care planning: If you’re concerned about paying for nursing home care or assisted living, a lawyer can help you create a financial plan and explore options for government assistance.
  • Guardianship or conservatorship: If a family member is unable to make decisions due to age-related cognitive issues, an elder law lawyer can assist in setting up legal guardianship or conservatorship to ensure their care.
  • Elder abuse and exploitation: If you or a loved one is experiencing physical, emotional, or financial abuse, an elder law lawyer can help you take legal action to stop the abuse and recover damages.
  • Retirement planning: Elder law lawyers can assist with planning for retirement, including managing pensions, Social Security, and other retirement income.
  • Special needs planning: If you have a disabled family member who requires special care, an elder law lawyer can help create trusts or other legal arrangements to ensure their long-term financial and healthcare needs are met.

What Does an Elder Law Lawyer Do?

An elder law lawyer provides a wide range of legal services to help older adults and their families navigate the complexities of aging, healthcare, and estate planning. Their responsibilities often include:

  • Drafting wills and trusts: Creating legal documents that outline how an individual’s assets will be distributed after death, ensuring that their wishes are honored.
  • Medicaid and Medicare planning: Helping clients protect their assets while qualifying for government benefits to cover healthcare and long-term care costs.
  • Establishing guardianships: Assisting families in setting up guardianship or conservatorship for loved ones who are unable to make decisions due to mental or physical incapacity.
  • Protecting against elder abuse: Investigating claims of elder abuse or financial exploitation and representing the victim in legal actions to stop the abuse and seek compensation.
  • Planning for long-term care: Developing strategies to cover the costs of nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care options without exhausting the elder’s financial resources.
  • Managing probate and estate administration: Guiding families through the probate process to ensure that the decedent’s assets are distributed according to the law and their wishes.
  • Setting up advance directives: Helping clients establish healthcare directives and powers of attorney to ensure their medical and financial decisions are carried out if they become incapacitated.

How Are Elder Law Lawyers Paid?

Elder law lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the type of legal work involved. Common payment structures include:

  • Hourly rate: Many elder law lawyers charge by the hour, especially for tasks such as drafting documents, handling legal disputes, or providing ongoing legal advice. Hourly rates typically range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.
  • Flat fee: For specific tasks, such as drafting a will or setting up a trust, some lawyers charge a flat fee. This can range from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the estate plan.
  • Retainer: For long-term legal representation, such as managing a trust or handling guardianship matters, a lawyer may charge a retainer, which is an upfront payment that covers future legal work.
  • Contingency fee: In some elder abuse or financial exploitation cases, a lawyer may work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for the client. This fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or damages awarded.

Be sure to discuss fees with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how you will be billed and what the total cost of services might be.

How Much Does an Elder Law Lawyer Cost?

The cost of hiring an elder law lawyer varies depending on the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the fee structure. General cost estimates include:

  • Simple estate planning: Drafting basic documents, such as a will or power of attorney, may cost between $500 and $2,000, depending on the complexity of the client’s assets and wishes.
  • Complex estate planning: Setting up more advanced estate plans, such as revocable or irrevocable trusts, Medicaid planning, or special needs trusts, can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.
  • Guardianship or conservatorship: Legal fees for setting up guardianship or conservatorship often range from $2,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on the complexity of the case and whether disputes arise.
  • Medicaid planning: Legal fees for Medicaid planning can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the level of asset protection needed and the complexity of the individual’s financial situation.

Always ask for an estimate of fees during your initial consultation to ensure you understand how much the legal services will cost.

Top Questions to Ask an Elder Law Lawyer

Before hiring an elder law lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they have the experience and expertise needed to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:

  1. What experience do you have with elder law cases?
    Make sure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, whether it's estate planning, Medicaid applications, or elder abuse claims.
  2. How do you charge for your services?
    Clarify whether the lawyer charges by the hour, a flat fee, or a retainer, and ask for a detailed estimate of the total cost.
  3. What is the best approach for my case?
    Ask for an honest assessment of your situation and what legal strategies the lawyer recommends.
  4. How long will the process take?
    Whether it’s drafting an estate plan or setting up a guardianship, ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take.
  5. Will you handle my case personally?
    In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of the case. Make sure you know who will be working on your case directly.
  6. What documents should I bring to the consultation?
    Ask the lawyer what documentation or information you should prepare for your consultation, such as medical records, financial statements, or prior legal documents.

How to Check the Credibility of an Elder Law Lawyer

To ensure you are hiring a reputable elder law lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and experience:

  • Check their bar status: Verify with your state bar association that the lawyer is licensed to practice and has no history of disciplinary actions.
  • Look for elder law experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in elder law and have experience with cases similar to yours.
  • Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s professionalism and success rate.
  • Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on elder law issues.
  • Check for certifications: Look for certifications or affiliations with organizations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), which can indicate the lawyer’s dedication to elder law.

What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?

To get the most out of your first consultation with an elder law lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:

  • Existing estate planning documents: If you have a will, trust, or power of attorney in place, bring copies for the lawyer to review.
  • Financial records: Provide details of your assets, including bank accounts, investments, real estate, and retirement accounts, as well as any debts.
  • Medical information: If the case involves guardianship or Medicaid planning, bring relevant medical records that detail the individual's health condition and care needs.
  • Insurance policies: Bring information about health insurance, long-term care insurance, and any other relevant policies.
  • Questions for the lawyer: Write down any questions you have about your legal needs, the process, and the lawyer’s fees.
  • List of family members or beneficiaries: Prepare a list of the individuals you want to include in your estate plan or who will be affected by the legal process.

By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and receive the best legal advice tailored to your needs.

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